In Bahrain, Max Verstappen is captured at the start of the F1 2024 season.
Zak Brown has accused Red Bull of being “scared” of Max Verstappen as McLaren’s war of words with the F1 champions continues ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
McLaren have emerged as Red Bull‘s closest challengers of late, with Lando Norris duelling Verstappen for victory at a number of races in recent months.
McLaren reopen war of words with Red Bull and Max Verstappen
During the closing laps of the recent Austrian Grand Prix, Norris and Verstappen collided, resulting in punctures for both drivers.
At the end of the race in Spielberg, Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, could be heard over the team radio defending Verstappen. He expressed his opinion that Norris had not displayed proper behavior during their battle.
Team principal Andrea Stella from McLaren strongly criticized Verstappen and Red Bull’s tactics, stating that the FIA’s inadequate punishment of Verstappen for his numerous clashes with Lewis Hamilton in 2021 had given him the confidence to race aggressively against other drivers.
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Brown echoed Stella’s comments, stating to media outlets like PlanetF1.com during the subsequent Silverstone race that it is the responsibility of F1 teams to provide guidance to drivers regarding ethical conduct.
In addition to accusing Red Bull of disregarding F1’s rules and regulations, Brown further criticized their relentless pursuit of victory, stating that McLaren does not engage in racing with a “win-at-all-costs mentality” like Red Bull does. He emphasized that McLaren’s approach to racing is not characterized by being nasty.
Brown has continued to engage in a war of words by suggesting that Red Bull is fearful of Verstappen ahead of the Hungarian GP in Budapest this weekend.
He told British publication The Independent: “It seems to me that Red Bull are scared of Max.
“We prioritize honesty with our drivers. If no one informs them that their actions are not in accordance with the regulations, why would they assume otherwise?”
However, it’s quite absurd to believe that Christian’s radio appearance would directly blame Lando for the problem. The truth is, everyone has already witnessed and acknowledged it.
“The regulations clearly state that a car’s width should be left, which he failed to do. There was no need for him to say anything. It just felt completely inappropriate.”
Red Bull has responded lukewarmly to Brown’s criticisms, with Horner showing no signs of being affected by the McLaren leader’s remarks at Silverstone.
When asked about Brown’s comments, Horner replied to the media, including PlanetF1.com, saying, “I refuse to respond to that statement.”
Verstappen also shared Horner’s viewpoint, responding with laughter when questioned about Brown’s comments at the British Grand Prix, and remarking, “I have no idea who Zak Brown is.”
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